Murders Most Foul, As In The Best It Is

It is decided that it would be best for the party if they were to stay in Killdeer until things calm down. The group (sans Osperun) departed mid-morning, passing the freshly hung bodies of Gavran and his bandits swinging by the entrance of Tessak’s Cove, a dual reminder of what happens to thieves, and the reason why they must now leave. Even Sornhill will offer them no comfort for the time being. Despite his gruff attitude, Gavran was well liked by many there. Provisions in hand, the group departed for Dunheern at morning’s light, and arrived by the setting of next day’s sun. After a refreshing night in a warm bed with sheets, the group set out for Sturnhelm, and arrive that same evening unmolested.

News of their conflict with the Wreckers had yet to reach this far: a brief evening of some merriment was had, during which rumors, both strange and exotic, were exchanged. After a slight delay, the adventurers hit the open road for Killdeer.

Sunsebb 18th, 591 (Late Evening)

Arriving in the late hours of the night, the party traverses the wharf district of Killdeer in search of the Cloven Shield, a well-known tavern and your home for the next week. Suddenly, you heard a scream, followed by a loud splash. Rushing down the street to find the sound, you were greeted with a cold, empty, and darkened street. The sounds of revelers came from the tavern (the only lit building) across the street, Llelf’s keen eyes spotted a large portion of the dock freshly drenched. Several large tentacles lunged out of the water, violently grabbing at the heroes. But the battle ended as suddenly as it started. The octopus sank back into the water without a trace.

Below the docks, the badly crushed and beaten body of a middle-aged man bobbed on the now still water. Retrieving his corpse, you examined the body on the docks; by his garb, you determined him to be a merchant. Investigating inside The Slumbering Wyrm (the well-lit tavern across the street), the heroes learned rumors of were-creatures stalking the night streets of Killdeer.

A Leap Of Faith

Sunsebb 10th, 591
It was in the early morning hours that Captain Milnrow requested Atticus presence in his office. Jeresan, a small town just west of the recently liberated Tessak’s Cove was under siege by The Scarlet Brotherhood and Atticus was charged with joining “Boss” Gavran and the Wreckers on their mission to liberate the village and its people. Reluctant at working alongside “Boss” Gavran, Atticus set aside his dislike of the man in order to rescue the citizens of Onnwal.

Sunsebb 11th, 591
By mid-afternoon on the second day of the journey, the Wreckers grew listless. One of the men atop a mobile ballista began lobbing bolts at the farmsteads. This angered Content Not Found: gideon-bede immensely, and a fire, unlike any seen before, burned in his eyes. A confrontation between the offending Wrecker and Gideon ensued, but was ended by Atticus. The confrontation would have been resolved then and there had Gideon not decided to slice the rope controlling the firing mechanism on the ballista. The other Wreckers immediately went after the Gideon; the charge of treason would result in Gideon being hung by the neck. Fortunately again, Atticus stepped in: he repaired the ballista with magic and took responsibility for all future actions taken by his men (and women).

Sunsebb 12th, 591 (Before Sunrise)
Before the morning sun rose, the small army arrived at the staging grounds joining with “Boss” Gavran’s camp. Displeased at seeing Atticus and his troupe, Gavran charged the party with securing the ridge opposite the town, while he and the Wreckers stormed the town using the fog to cover their assault.

The party arrived at the ridge surprising a small contingent of Scarlet Brotherhood Hobgoblins and wiped them out with no delay. Standing atop the ridge, the rising sun revealed that Jeresan, the town below, was successfully taken back by the Wreckers.

Sunsebb 12th, 591 (Morning)
Gavran greeted you proudly as your group entered the liberated village; carefully wiping blood with a strip of scarlet cloth he informs you that he only lost two men reclaiming the village. He ordered Atticus and his men to help the Wreckers search out the village for any more Brotherhood members, or their sympathizers. The firsthand experience of the “military’s” tactics had now begun to sour even in Atticus’ stomach: Food and valuables were being “requisitioned” for the benefit of Gavran and his men, Wreckers gleefully kicked down doors, and drug out citizens, the ones with Suel features receiving the worst treatment. As the party oversaw this carnage, they all came to the realization that there were no women, or children amongst the villagers. Upon Gavran taking noticed, he ordered his men to torture each and everyone till they personally told him the information he sought.

Wishing to spare the people further harm from their liberators , the party offered to gain the info, and personally seek out the missing villagers. Hesitant, but disinterested all the same, Gavran grudgingly accepts the party’s offer to seek out the women and children.

Following the trail south, the party discovers it turns sharply west, towards the crags of the western Volanots. As the heroes entered the narrow valley, they could feel eyes watching them. Those observant among the party were able to dodge the boulders that were dropped on them; wasting no time the party scurried up the sides and attacked their ambushers.

Slaying the Scarlet Brotherhood soldiers was simple enough, the party took a short rest to recover and eat before pressing forward. As the trail led further westerly, Grumpy discerned the tracks appeared more fresh: the party was catching up. As the party enters the next valley pass, they spy below the next ridge women and children, amongst them a young female, human cleric. The cleric eagerly defends the refugees as the party advances. Before this misunderstanding can be cleared up, an army of blonde archers clad in white train their bows on the group from atop the ridge surrounding this portion of the valley. A golden-haired man, with obvious Suloise features, demanded everyone surrendered, the party reluctantly agrees.

Blindfolded, the party travels for an unknown amount of hours, sometimes feeling as if they had traveled in circles. The sound of gulls and other marine birds greet them as they travel up narrow stone steps. The faint sound of water crashing against the sides of rocks is heard as they ascended ever upwards. Their blindfolds now removed, the party was being observed by others clad in grey/white robes, similar to those of the bowmen. Amongst them an older woman warmly greeted the party, informing them that they are amongst the The Followers Of Tarnedas. She further informs the party that the refugees (and the cleric defending them) are safe and being treated for injury, and that the party’s actions around Onnwal have earned their notice.

If the party desired to seek council with the Hermit of the Gulls, they must first display an act to prove their worthiness: a leap of faith. The woman’s words were made plain as she led the heroes ever higher and to a ledge overlooking rocks and the sea. Across the expanse stood a pillar of stone, like stacks of rock piled one over the other forming craggy tower. The woman gently motioned towards a small ledge that jutted slightly out, and with that took her leave. While the group discussed their plan of action, Elyssia blindly stepped of the edge: if not for Llelf’s quick thinking (and quicker hand) Elyssia would have joined her uncle’s spirit in the next world. Angered by the test, Grumpy refused to participate and left via the path he arrived. Llelf bravely lept across, followed by Darva. Elyssia then followed, and once again, with the assistance of Llelf, was able to cross completely. Despite discouragement from the rest of the party, Gideon insisted on making the jump; his leap was far too short, and he plummeted straight down. Through the Gods, it seems, he was spared from landing atop the rocks that pierced an angry sea, but he stood no chance against the angry waves that battered his body and drug him down below. Osperun, with agile grace, dove bravely in after him; but was unable to rescue him. At every opportunity to maintain hold of Gideon, the sea pulled Osperun deeper down with him. As Osperun would go on to later recount, “It was (as) if the sea itself called to him, and he could not refuse her siren’s call.”

Having no desire to see “a prophet who plays these kinds of games,” Osperun swam towards the shoreline. Atticus, now alone took a deep breath and jumped across. With the final four now on the other side together, a passage revealed itself to them.
After traversing a narrow and winding path downwards, the four adventurers were greeted with a most curious sight: the entire cliff face and every flat space on the ledge is covered with birds of all types – gulls and seabirds, but also hawks, crows, cranes and even strange birds with brightly colored feathers. The entire avian multitude sat with an unnatural stillness, silently regarding the part with hundreds of small, hard, implacable eyes. Clad in a simple white robe; hair white and unkempt, falling to his shoulders, sat a man cross-legged. Lines of age and care marked his sun-kissed face, yet there was a look of absolute peace and serenity in his intensely blue eyes that touched everyone to the heart of their being.

“I am the Hermit of the Gulls, and you are a leaf in the wind. I bid you welcome." He gently said. He then proceeded to warn the group of a great approaching darkness that was coming, and for them to take up the cause of light in response. Elyssia agreed to do so, the hermit’s words echoed those of her uncle. Darva on the other hand was cautious, this man Tarnedas looked exactly like her former mentor, Enid Arrac. Tarnedas, acknowledging the resemblance let it be known that Enid was his twin brother, and that he himself once traversed the path of The Scarlet Brotherhood, until his mind’s eye was awakened to the way of Phaulkon. The heroes agreed to take up Tarnedas’ cause, knowing only that Tarnedas himself was sincere in his goals to prevent destruction and bloodshed.

Rejoining with Grumpy and Osperun, the four told of their meeting with Tarnedas. And with heavy heart they learned of Gideon’s fate. Blindfolded once more, the six were led back to the valley pass where they had encountered the archers initially. The refugees of Jeresan had no desire to return home, and specifically requested that the heroes bring the remaining survivors back to this valley, so that they may be led to salvation and rejoin their families under the protective wing of Tarnedas and his followers.

Sunsebb 12th, 591 (Twilight)
The party reached the outskirts of Jeresan, and began to formulate a plan to rescue everyone. With both moons in their first quarter, they slipped into town late that night and rescued it’s citizens. By daylight the next day, the party successfully reunited everyone. However, they had much to explain to Baron Maldrenn.

Sunsebb 13th, 591
Atticus took sole responsibility for the actions of the party, but had explained it was all necessary to spare the citizenry of the corrupt actions of the Wreckers (led by Gavran). Having provided adequate testimony, coupled by the various conflicting statements given by the Wreckers involved, the party was cleared of all crimes. Gavran and his men however were not as fortunate: they were hung by the neck until dead that morning; their bodies hung on trees serving as a warning to other would-be bandits. Only Niala, being a woman, was spared this fate. She was sentenced to twenty years imprisonment, but fled custody shortly after her sentencing.

This Is How You Get Ants

Sunsebb 5th, 591 (Evening)
A hearty night of drinking and celebrating was had by all at The Grey Minstrel except for Atticus; he alone toiled away researching whom the mysterious “Grey Cloaks” could be, but given the limited library resources at hand, his task proved futile. After some minor revelry, Elyssia retired to the privacy of her room, leaving Darva, Content Not Found: gideon-bede, and Grumpy to freely mingle in the tavern. The crowd was particularly rowdy that evening since The Wreckers were in a celebratory mood as well.

Feeling competitive, Grumpy challenged the biggest of the Wreckers to a game of skill; their choice. It just so happened that this large-sized half-orc favored drinking as his sport. A wager of one platinum eagle was made and both fellows went for their mugs. Despite Grumpy’s natural advantage of being a dwarf, the opponent proved more than worthy; Grumpy passed out at the ninth liter mark. Being a good sport, the half-orc Wrecker bought rounds for the whole bar. Darva, with Gideon’s aid took Grumpy to his resting place in the stable to “sleep it off.”

After returning to the tavern, it was clear that celebrations were still continuing as another round was purchased for the crowd. Darva enjoyed her mug in moderation, while Gideon, perhaps feeling challenged, order a liter of the same concoction imbibed by the dwarf. Two sips in and Gideon too was knocked out cold. Finishing her beverage, Darva proceeded to carry the unconscious Gideon back to their room.

Sunsebb 6th, 591(Morning)
After much needed sleep, Atticus was informed in the early dawn hours that his presence was required at headquarters. Arriving without delay, he was surprised to hear an unfamiliar loud and booming voice coming from Captain Milnrow’s office; entering the room just in time to witness a bald-headed man give a severe dressing down to the Captain himself. After saying his piece, the man introduced himself as “Boss” Gavran, sergeant of The Wreckers. Gavran then proceeded to bully Atticus, who would have none of it, and as the two were bumping heads, Captain Milnrow spoke up and defused the situation. The task of guarding the troop resupply would now fall to Atticus’ company.

Sunsebb 6th, 591(Evening)
Travel to the encampment site proved uneventful, the soldiers stationed there were more than happy to see the arrival of more rations. A small celebratory feast was held in gratitude.

Sunsebb 7th, 591
Good spirits didn’t last long when it was realized that a scouting expedition failed to return the previous night. Eager to assist in any way they could, the heroes volunteered to go search for the missing party. By mid-afternoon that day, the party came across a curious sight: a Flan in Oerdian dress, digging graves. Wary of him at first, the party approached cautiously.

The Flan introduced himself as Bran, and thanked the party for their prompt arrival; he explained that it was foretold to him in a vision by Beory, the Earth-Mother, that they would come to his people’s aid. A valuable artifact, “the Goddess’ Navel,” was being sought by a scarlet menace that would use its powers for evil. Bran went on to tell the party how he came across the remains of the scout party, and felt it was his duty to bury them. To not do so would dishonor their souls.

Reluctantly believing Bran’s prophetic dream, the party went in search of the relic. The party followed a stream through the valley which led them to an old farm house, wary of danger they sent someone to scout ahead. Instead of a trap, the party found a brutalized couple, Albistan and Uxia, they had both been tortured for information to the location of the copse where the relic lay. Though the farmer himself could not escort the party, he did offer them directions via a shortcut.

As the party encroached deeper into the valley, Grumpy noticed an “odd” abundance of life: it was un-seasonally “greener and thicker” compared to when they entered. Before he was able to impart this information, large verdant stalks sprouted from the earth and attempted to drag each party member away. The battle itself did not last long, but it made the party feel uneasy. Had nature herself turned on them?

Shortly after the battle the group came across a campsite that had the markings of The Scarlet Brotherhood, but no people were seen; tracks led to the cave mouth nearby. Investigation within showed signs of a struggle, but no bodies. Inspection of the cave and the tunnels revealed it to be an ancient burial ground of a Flannish warrior.

“In the middle of the room you see a crudely fashioned stone throne upon which is seated the skeleton of a once great warrior dressed for battle, his sword resting against the throne, in his hand. Beside him is a bow, and a spear. Around the base of the throne are the skulls of twelve men, all killed long ago.”

Further inspection of the tunnels and rooms yielded broken pottery, ceremonial grave goods, and a crude silver statue of Beory. The last chamber however contained a familiar sight, their companion Llelf affixed to the cavern walls next to a tall, pale human. In the center of this chamber rested a large standing amber stone, about five feet high and three feet across.

A strange skittering sound echoed in this chamber as the room began to fill with “pony-sized” ants. Crawling along the ceiling and walls, the ants charged at the heroes, intent on “protecting” the strange amber stone. Rushing to action the party was successfully able to fend off the attack and rescue their comrade Llelf, who in turn related the tale of how he and the bard Osperun arrived in a such a predicament. Eager to leave before more ants could appear, Darva lifted the huge stone and loaded it on the abandoned cart outside the cave. The party then traveled to the kindly farmer’s house for rest and recuperation.

Sunsebb 8th, 591
Returning to Bran that morning proved to be uneventuful. The re-formed party was greeted by Bran and several different Flan warriors, bearing markings of different tribes. They too were led here via a prophetic dream. Returning the stone, the party was rewarded with much fanfare. Parting ways with the tribesman, the party returned to Captain Gregern with news of the patrols fate, and their experience at the cave.

I'll Make A Man Out Of You

Sunsebb 2nd, 591
Nearly empty, and approaching closing time only three patrons remained at the tavern. Two uninspired looking adventurers, and a young bard. As a desperate man wandered in looking for assistance, all but the bard turned a blind eye to his plight; his brother’s wife, and his niece were both taken advantage of by a ne’er do well. And Osperun the bard was just the man to do this. As Osperun set off on his quest, an elf entered in search of his missing comrades. It was none other than Llelf. Over hearing the plight of the poor man, Llelf offered up his bow to the cause. Granted the use of horses, all three set off to the Britzen farmstead.

Sunsebb 3rd, 591
Arriving at the farmstead in the late afternoon hours, the party met with Otto and his family. As they shared a meal, they discussed the matter at hand, “Two men dressed as merchants came late in the day to seek shelter from the storm, offering to pay for the use of the spare room. They were traveling towards the Headlands, saying they were enroute to the Iron Lands. One was tall and skinny, the other rounder and wore an eye patch. They both had an odd speech of their own, spoken softly when they thought folks weren’t listening. The morning they left, I was chopping wood by the shed. The tall one took advantage of my wife, then my daughter as the one-eyed man watched. When I lunged at him with my axe, they disarmed me and said they would kill them slowly while I watched if I followed them. As they walked away, they tossed this gold coin at my feet.”

Otto slowly reveals a gold coin with a scarlet crest engraved on the face.

“I knew these were men to not mess with. I’m just a simple farmer, but I request you avenge my family for me. I can’t pay you much, but am willing to feed and supply you to the best of my abilities. They spoke of Caerhyggor.”

Osperun and Llelf nodded in agreement, their course was clear. Together these adventurers headed towards Caerhyggor, eager to mete out frontier justice. The trail they followed was rough and wound randomly through the foothills. After many hours of travel they came to a small gorge. The tracks they were following led down into the rocky area below. Llelf’s keen ears heard what sounded to like a pony, prompting the party to dismount and sneak down below.

Tied off at the bottom of the gorge was a pony packed to the brim, and on either side of him were two creeping mountain lions; what looked to be a mated pair. Throwing caution into the wind, the heroes attacked the large cats and a melee ensued. When all seemed lost and the cats had the upper hand, a mysterious stranger approached, arms waving, he scared off the animals.

The stranger introduced himself as Damzer, and explained that he was looking for two men, whom coincidently enough, were the same two men the party was tracking. After a brief exchange they decided it would be best to travel together. As the exited the canyon they spotted a curious sight; a you Flannish native in Oeridian garb. Approaching him cautiously they quickly learned this young trader meant them no harm, and despite an obvious language gap were able to communicate enough to learn the location of Caerhyggor, as well as learning that this area is sacred and forbidden to non-believers.

High on a hilltop, tumbled stones lay scattered, and the signs of an old ruin that has been overgrown by grass and scrub awaited the party. As they approached closer, a gruesome sight greeted them; dozens of crows gathered en masse. Between their flapping wings the remains of a body garbed as that of a merchantman from Scant lay staked to the ground, spread eagle on his back; his eye sockets, now hollow, looking upwards vacantly to the stars. An obvious warning that trespassers were not welcome here. Searching his body, Osperun found a note detailing plans for recovering a fabled artifact that once belonged to the Ancient Suel Empire. In need of rest, and eager to spend the night anywhere but here, the party of three made their way back towards the canyon, but not before taking the dead man’s ring and head as proof of his demise.

As the adventurers prepared to bed down for the night at the canyon mouth, a large army of Flan natives surrounded them. They demanded to know why the party entered the scared lands that surround Caerhyggor. Unfortunately, a language barrier prevented them from understanding one another and the party was taken prisoner. Once at the Flan camp, the group was tied together to a tree and treated to a fantastic spectacle; lavish dances performed by fierce warriors wearing intricately beaded costumes leaping over tall bonfires and recreating battles from long ago. This celebration went on throughout the evening through the early morning hours.

Sunsebb 4th, 591
By sunrise, the party of three awoke to see a now empty site. Three tall warriors led by a shorter man dressed in ritual attire approached the bound heroes. The shorter man motioned for the party to be untied. Though he is short in stature, he is very imposing still. His face and chest are decorated in elaborate tattoos; his headdress was that of a mountain lion. Standing before the remains of the previous night’s pyre, he raises both hands reigniting the flames. There is a cold silence, he then motioned the guards to escort the “prisoners” towards the hillside. The adventurers follow without hesitation. Before them stood a huge sealed portal, a gigantic boulder blocks the way. Across the rocks surface ancient runes were etched, craved by no mortal hand. Through luck or unknown divination, the party was able to clear the way, and only suffer the most minor of injuries from small explosive runes. The path now clear, the boldly strolled inside.

Deep within the cave they entered a large chamber, within it laid a circle made from vines. All around the walls were scattered alcoves containing the remains of long dead tribesmen. Elsewhere on the walls hung ceremonial headdresses, as if tasked with watching this chamber. Against the wall on the opposite side stood a large cumbersome looking standard. Ancient runes carved delicately along the wooden shaft sparkled brightly as the parties light source illuminated it briefly before the room went dark.

An echo of chittering filled the now dark chamber, large fur-covered legs brushed against Osperun before sinking two large fangs into his flesh. As they party clumsily struck out at the attackers in the dark, a wave of deep pain and sadness washed over them, affecting all but Damzer. Even the spiders seemed to lack immunity to this attack and shortly died. As the light returned, Osperun retrieved the arcane Standard and led the others out of the deep cave and into the fresh clean air. With little time to waste, the adventurers ran. It was at this time that strange thoughts began to enter the minds of the heroes, odd suggestions, and strong emotions such as betrayal, greed, and power.

After covering quite a bit of distance, a strange apparition appeared before the party; a cloud-like creature with dark hollows reminiscent of eyes and a mouth, it was a howling wind that had whipped up dirt into an ominous shape. Hovering menacingly, it seemingly dared the party to cross past. Behind it, some short distance away, a heavy set man dressed in Onnwalion merchant attire began his approach. “Peace brothers!” he shouted left hand raised. “I see you have stirred up quite the hornet’s nest and they have sent something to watch you.”

The party immediately recognized him as the other man that they had been hunting, and Damzer had recognized him as Azee; it is at this moment that Damzer dropped his disguise revealing himself to be a tiefling, an infernal spawn brought from the coupling of a devil and man. His motives now made clear, Damzer proceeded to attack Azee, as the air elemental attacked both Llelf and Osperun. Not wanting to feel left out, the malicious presence within the Standard took form and lashed out at the heroes for not taking it up on its offer. This melee continued until Damzer struck a final and fatal blow on Azee. Having killed Azee, Damzer grabbed Azee’s lifeless body and teleported away.

Befuddled by what they had just witnessed, the remaining heroes could not question the situation properly before the whole of Flan tribe arrived to retrieve them. Led by the short man of great stature, he congratulated the two heroes on a fine job becoming men. Osperun reluctantly returned the Standard to the elder, and the tribe hooted excitedly. For their part in the trials, both Llelf and Osperun received a finely crafted obsidian-headed spear and ceremonial facepaint was applied below their eyes. Reward in hand, and head in bag, the Llelf and Osperun eagerly made their return to inform the farmer of their success. After a fine celebratory meal, the two heroes were asked to stay in order to convalesce from the wounds they received.

Sunsebb 5th, 591
The day was (thankfully) uneventful.

Sunsebb 6th, 591
In the midmorning hours on the journey back, Llelf and Osperun stumbled across a small squad of Scarlet Brotherhood Hobgoblins. Following them closely, they discovered their base of operations was a small cave. Having observed the area for some time, they decided to stealthily approach and explore the cave’s interior.

Badgers, and Weasels, and Bears; Oh My!

Sunsebb 2nd, 591
While enjoying drinks and light fare at “The Grey Minstrel,” a tavern frequented by soldier and adventurer alike, Atticus discussed formal plans to become a war company for the nation of Onnwal. The primary tasks of this war company would be to provide support behind enemy lines, and light reconnaissance. This was not a duty to take lightly, so Gideon excused himself, requesting time “to pray on the matter.”Llelf was absent from this meeting as well, having spent years underground, he needed time to reconnect with nature. As the rest of the part readily agreed to join Atticus’ quest, Elyssia caught the unwanted attention of some Wreckers at the next table over. The party came quick to her defense, and silenced the troublemakers before things got completely out-of-hand. Even earning a bit or recognition from a patron at the bar.

As the Wreckers left the tavern, a young soldier entered in search of the party. Second-in-command Captain Milnrow had sent notice requesting the adventurers to meet him at his office at the Free Onnwalan Army Command Center on an important covert matter. Captain Milnrow informed the party about a ranger named Kallarn who returned late last night from a scouting mission reporting that he was attacked by a six-foot tall weasel while inspecting reports of animal mutilations. It was up to the group to determine whether both incidents are related and if so, to put an end to the attacks.

After interviewing Kallarn, the party quickly determined that they were most-likely dealing with were-creatures, and began preparations to arm themselves for the task of hunting such beasts. Traveling south, the adventurers first came across the Aspinal Farm(1); the farmer was in the process of burying his dog. The animal had fallen victim to an attack in the middle of the night, while the occupants themselves were otherwise unharmed. Examining the remains of the dog showed evidence that a large canine-like creature was responsible for its demise. The homesteaders eagerly invited the party to stay the night, but the heroes had other ideas, and went on to investigate the site of Kallarn’s skirmish with the weasel.

After setting up camp(2), and preparing for an ambush, a large weasel emerged from beneath the campfire.
Frothing at the mouth it attacked the party; the beast attacked relentlessly. Refusing to fall even against the party’s combined might, only with it being hacked into shreds did it finally fall. Bruised and bloodied, the party returned to the Aspinal Farm.

Sunsebb 3rd, 591
The next morning, Grumpy discovered the tracks of a larger, more canine-like, beast leading towards another farm(3). The remains of chickens, goats, and half-eaten cows littered the property; deep claw marks dug deep into the heavy oak door of the farmhouse. Slowly opening the door, the party discovered the occupants, Mr. and Mrs. Fallow to be alive, but frightened for their lives. Eager to protect the lives of these the farmers, the party sets up in the barn. With bonfires lit, and party at the ready, the first night goes by uneventfully; save for the lone baleful howl of a large wolf in the distance.

Sunsebb 4th, 591
Morning inspection yielded more tracks, including those of large vermin, on the ridge overlooking the farm. To better entice the creature(s) the party visited another nearby farm and purchased livestock to better bait their trap. That night, not long after it became dark, a lone figure rushed though the fields, and towards the barn. A young lad (Cranden Selvor), no older than seven years of age, relates how he just escaped an attack from “giant rats lead by a dog-headed man” at his parent’s farm.

Arriving at the Selvor Farm(4); , the party finds the place in shambles, bodies of livestock strewn about the place, the front door smashed in. Inside, two bodies laid scattered in pieces; mother and father completely indistinguishable from one another. Having searched the home, a small doll was discovered, and the tracks of a small human girl leading into the distance. Grumpy expertly followed the little girl’s trail and the tracks of many different kinds of large animals to the edge of a forest(5). Waiting for the party was a strange sight indeed, six giant rats and two large weasels. Defeating them proved no easy task, bruised and battered they pressed on. Inside the woods they were met with another strange and curious sight; a young girl, not even five-feet tall and in her early teens steps out from behind a tree. She then motioned for the party to follow her deeper into wilderness.

“Are you here to kill the bad creatures?” She innocently asks. “They gather now by the dark pool.” She says as she guides the party through the woods and towards a small glade. She points towards a faint glow in the distance before slowly phasing into a tree.

Inside the glade(6), a pool of bubbling and churning water provides an eerie light illuminating the scene. A dog-headed humanoid stands over a small body spread over a make-shift wooden altar. In his hands rests a dagger that he holds intently over the body as he whisper foul incantations in some dark tongue. The once invisible new moon of Luna begins to form an outline in the starless night sky, her once slivery-hue now tainted a deep red that slowly fills her round form like wine filling a glass. Surrounding them, a dark menagerie of animals stands guard.

The party leaps into the fray with little care for themselves. Grumpy attacked the great bear covered in spikes, Elyssia placed the herd of giant rats into a deep sleep, Atticus defended against a pair of large weasels, and Darva took on the dark priest and his infernal giant badger. The ferocity of the great bear proved too much for Grumpy, but the dwarf’s refusal to stay down kept the beast at bay and from the throats of the rest of the party. Darva was able to strike a lucky blow to paralyze the dark priest and disrupt the evil ritual, and allowing Elyssia to spirit the child away. However fate was fickle that night, as Darva was soon struck down from a lucky blow to her side, Grumpy too was finally made to lay still, and even Elyssia was taken down as she fled with the child in arm (selflessly shielding the unconscious girl). Atticus, alone but not down, struck the killing blow on the badger, recovered his discarded bow, and fired straight and true into the neck of the fleeing gnoll priest.

After tending to the party’s wounds, Atticus destroyed the dark altar. Devastated, but not defeated, the heroes returned the young girl (Arabel) to her brother at the Fallow’s Farm and spent the remainder of the evening recuperating from their wounds.

Sunsebb 5th, 591
At dawn’s first light, the party began their journey back to Sornhill with Cranden and Arabel in tow. Once there, the heroes were able to locate an aunt who lives in the city and reunited the family. Captain Milnrow was extremely grateful to the adventurers for ending the giant creature threat before panic spread in the city. Captain Milnrow rewarded the party with fifty gold gulls apiece, and his eternal gratitude; he will prove to be a valuable ally in the future.